Evernote’s tagline is Remember Everything. That is a big promise to live up to, and I’ve discovered that Evernote delivers on that promise. At first glance, you might think it is just another web clipper, when in fact it has so much more to offer.
This is not an in-depth Evernote article. I’m not going to discuss tools, plug-ins, or the pro’s and con’s of using Evernote compared to other applications. I’m simply going to explain why it works for me.
Remember everything & capture everything
It’s been said that if you see it or think it, Evernote will help you remember it. That includes receipts, ideas scrabbled on scrap pieces of paper, contact numbers written hastily on folded napkins and practically anything else you can think of. You can take a photo and send it to your personal Evernote email address to store for future use. Easily scan documents, receipts, and so forth; and organize them in different Notebooks. Set up a Notebook for different projects and easily access all the information stored under that specific label.
I am currently in the process of scanning all my monthly receipts, bills, expenses and saving them to an Evernote Notebook creatively titled “Budget.” This clears up the mountain of paperwork that usually accumulates in my office during any given month. Once scanned into Evernote, I no longer have to worry about documents being misplaced or filed in Folder 13…
Use it as a web clipper
Evernote can be used to clip any contact on the web. Either use the clipper button (easily installed in your browser) or simply copy and paste the text into a new note. This works particularly well, given the many mobile capture methods available. Evernote is accessible from phones (applications for Smart Phones, mobile web for everything else), PCs and the Web.
Apart from clipping webpages, I like to “clip ideas.” When you wake up at 2AM in the morning with a brilliant idea, chances are you will not get up and switch on your PC to type it out. Pen and paper next to bed will not help unless you get up to flip the light switch. By accessing Evernote directly from your phone, you can rest assured that your ideas are stored for future use; and you don’t have to worry about sleepless nights, or forgetting your ideas in the morning.
Goal tracking
Evernote is a great tool when it comes to goal tracking, regardless of whether in your personal life, or your career. Set clear goals for yourself and revisit said goals on a daily basis. This will keep you motivated and focused. Every month, track your progress to see how far you have come, and highlight areas that need more attention. Are your goals still relevant? Your monthly review will assist you to adjust your goal tracking where necessary.
Day-to-day use
Use Evernote to keep track of your daily tasks. This simple little action spared my sanity, and saved me many hours fumbling around for the details of clients to contact, correspondence to send, etc. I also find it useful to compile a to-do list for the next day before I go to bed.
These are just a few simple methods I use to streamline my day and run my business. Once you explore Evernote you will undoubtedly find a smorgasbord of other uses that will be tailor-made for you and/or your business.
